Madison Campus Safety
With the attack of another Madison student last week, campus safety is becoming an issue we all need to take far more seriously. Given the environment of a typical college campus, it doesn’t take long for predators to figure out that unsuspecting and often time alcohol fueled youth; make perfect targets to prey upon. Though the recent attack on an Alpha Theta sorority member was yet another female victim struck by campus crime, it’s important to remember that both male and female Madison students are at risk and need to take precautions to ensure their safety.With the help of collegesafe.com, we have compiled some campus safety tips below. It’s important for us as students to share safety tips with one another, and remind our friends, roommates, classmates, etc… to put them into practice.
General College Safety
When leaving your dorm or apartment, make sure that all doors and windows are locked - including the main building entry and exits.
Keep an eye out for anyone who is loitering or hanging out around your home/car, after school or work. If something looks or feels suspicious or out of place, call the police immediately.
Always check around your car as you approach it. If there is a van parked on one side of your car get in on the other side.
Avoid carrying large sums of money.
If possible, always travel with another person. This is especially true after dark.
At night, travel on well-lighted and well-traveled streets. Avoid unlighted areas.
Be aware of people who approach asking for directions or the time of day; keep a polite but safe distance.
Invest in and carry pepper spray to give you an advantage over an attacker.
If you feel someone is following you, go to the nearest occupied residence or building and ask for assistance or call the police from your cell phone.
If you are confronted with a dangerous situation, yell out for assistance immediately!
When you get home, particularly after dark, don't hang around at the entrance of your residence. If you feel something is out of place, don't go in, go to a friend or neighbor's house and call for police assistance.
College Bar and Party Safety
Always go with a group of friends and stay with that group of friends. Never stay behind alone at a bar or party, and never leave a friend behind alone either.
Let your roommate(s) know where you are going, and when you are expecting to be home.
Be cautious of your alcohol consumption. Have fun, but avoid drinking until you lose control of yourself and surroundings.
Never accept an alcoholic beverage from a stranger. If someone would like to buy you a drink, accept it directly from the bartender.
Avoid walking long distances late at night. Ask your bartender if they offer “safe rides”, or opt for your group to catch a Badger shared cab (if your low on cash, this is a great low cost option, and far safer than walking).
UW–Madison offers SAFEwalk and SAFEride programs to its students. Call (608) 262-5000 to learn more about these programs.
